Educational puzzle



Sept. 6, 1949.

A. L. BOYER EDUCATIONAL PUZZLE Filed Feb. 19, 1946 2 7 2 z M? I M L I [flue/7297' j/z/w l Boyd/7 Patented Sept. 6, 1949 2 Claims.

This invention relates to an educational puzzle, and more particularly to such a puzzle adapted for the use of a small child.

A primary object of this invention is the provision of a puzzle characterized by a plurality of interfitting colored strips, placeable in and removable from a base, the strips being adapted for grouping in simulation of the colors of a rainbow, and when properly assembled in the appropriate relation with each other to imitate the coloring and arrangement thereof to that of a natural rainbow.

A further object of the invention is the provision of such a puzzle provided with means depicting the childhood fable of the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of such a puzzle which may be readily assembled by a small child, as for example, a child from the ages of four to seven, and which, when assembled, will show the proper relationship of the normal colors in the rainbow.

Other objects will in part be obvious and in part be pointed out as the description of the invention proceeds, and shown in the accompanying drawing wherein there is depicted a preferred embodiment of this inventive concept.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a side view, partially in elevation and partially in section showing one form of puzzle embodying features of the instant invention.

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the device disclosed in Figure 1.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

Having reference now to the drawings, there is generally indicated at In the base block of rectangular configuration, provided at one end with a slotted aperture II, and at the other end with a corresponding slotted aperture l2 of slightly greater extent. As best shown in Figure 1, the apertures II and I2 are open to the ends of the block In and are beveled, as at l3 and M, respectively, at their inner extremities. A plurality of semi-circular arcuate strips of difi'erent colors, as will be more fully explained hereinafter, are adapted to have their extremities seated in the slotted apertures II and [2, respectively. The strips take the form of an inner strip l5 of violet color, concentric with which is a second strip N5 of indigo, the interior diameter of the strip l6 being slightly in excess of the exterior diameter of the strip I5, in order that the strips may fit concentrically when their extremities are inserted into the apertures II and H. A blue strip I1 is adapted to be positioned exteriorly of the strip [6 and have seated thereupon a green strip l8. Exteriorly of the green strip I8 is a yellow strip [9, adapted to be surmounted by an orange strip 20, the final and outermost strip 2| being red in color.

A simulated receptacle 22 in the form of a barrel or the like is adapted to be positioned in p the extremity of the slot l2 exterior of the outermost strip 2|, the receptacle 22 simulating the fabled pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

It will now be seen that when the strips l5 to 2 l, inclusive, are removed from the slots I I and I2 and scattered on a plain surface, as on a table or the like, they may be only reassembled in their proper relation, that is, with the strip of least diameter positioned first in the slot, subsequently followed by the other strips in accordance with their size and correspondingly in accordance with their proper color.

It will thus be seen that there is herein provided an amusing and relatively simple puzzle for small children, which may be completed either by the determination of the proper size of the piece to be inserted in the proper place, or by remembrance of the colors of the associated strips, in such manner that the normal sequence of colors in the rainbow is readily taught to a small child.

From the foregoing there will now be seen that there is herein provided a device accomplishing all the objects of this invention, and others, including many advantages and having a relatively high entertainment and amusement value.

As many embodiments may be made of this inventive concept, and as many modifications may be made in the embodiment hereinbefore shown and described, it is to be understood that all matter herein is to be interpreted merely as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

I claim:

1. A device of the kind described, comprising a determined number of stacking units of substantially semi-circular contour for grouping in interfitting relation to each other and each of a definite thickness, one to the other, to have exposure edgewise when interfitted in a vertical matched plane concentrically edge to edge, the units being colored, respectively, corresponding to the colors of a natural rainbow, and a support having terminal bifurcations forming recesses for the ends of the units when inserted therein to hold them interfitted in a vertical condition and display of their edges with the coloring imitative of the natural rainbow.

2. A device of the kind described, comprising a determined number of stacking units of substantially semi-circular contour for grouping in interfitting relation to each other and each of a definite thickness, one to the other, to have exposure edgewise when interfitted in vertical matched plane concentrically edge to edge, the units being colored, respectively; corresponding to the colors of a natural rainbow, a support having terminal bifurcations forming recesses for the ends of the units when inserted therein to hold them interfitted in a vertical condition and display of their edges with the coloring imitative of the natural 15 555 901 rainbow, and a symbol for accommodation in one of the recesses and indicative of a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow display.

ALVA L. BOYER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 261,912 Crandall Aug. 1, 1882 1,405,010 Russell Jan. 31, 1922 1,513,261 Neiner Oct. 28, 1924 Brandt Dec. 15, 1925 

